AUTOGRAPH

Traveller, antiquary, writer on architecture (1786-1846). One page, 8vo with added page of verse, nick not affecting text, good. He responds to a request by sending an impression of a seal [not present] "which bears the armorial ensigns of the two families which I represent" - which he expands on.

Novelist. One page, 8vo, good condition. "I am quite willing that you should use the extract from my book "The House of the Arrow", but you should, I think, get also the consent of Mesrs. Hodder & Stoughton before using it."

Novelist. One page, 8vo, fold mark, good condition. "I cannot refrain from writing to thank you for two kindly notices of my work that you have given in recent numbers of "The Sphere"; & I trust you will not consider me troublesome for doing so, or for saying that it gave me much pleasure to see this recognition. . . ."

Miscellaneous Writer (Poetry Society). Total 4pp., 8vo. He is enlisting Wilson's aid in selling his new book (favourably reviewed by Evelyn Waugh) and requesting a list of distinguished visitors to Bumpus's (bookshop) (Walter) Scott {Centenary] Exhibition to establish who was interested in Scott at that time. Frank Mumby describes Wilson as "one of the outstanding booksellers of the day" (1956 ed., p.235). Four items,

Antiquary, advocate of temperance(1786-1867). One autograph letter signed, one page, 4to, to James Savage, fellow-antiquary (see American DNB), founder of one of the first savings banks in America, some damage and heavy-handed repairs with sellotape, but text complete apart from a word. He is arranging a loan ($40000) and mentions his security, discussing the terms of the loan. He requirws the loan urgently. WITH: an autograph note signed, one page, 4to, from James Savage to Sargent, (Nov.

Publisher, Oxford University Press. One page each, 8vo (2) and 4to (2), one grubby, fold marks, minor defects, but texts clear and complete. Two are goodhumoured, brief, and concerning social trivia. The one sent in 1932 goes: "This is to introduce Sir Wallis Budge. I have told him you are the best bookseller in London, and would be able to get him all he wanted." (one ms. correction and one ms. addition). The letter dated 1943 discusses the works of Mark Rutherford: "I remember in very old days you were a devoted admirer of my late brother-in-law, Mark Rutherofrd.

The address panel only, 4 x 2", of a letter with the address "Mrs Davidson/ Milner's[?] Lodgings/ Green Street/ Scarborough/ Yorkshire" in Mitford's hand. Partly laid down. Mary Mitford's name and address are written in another hand on the reverse.

Ann[a] Bishop, singer (1814-1884)(DNB). (No date) Three pages, 8vo, fair but legible, edge rough where extracted from an album.. She is sorry not to have been able to see her. She is travelling to Australia on that day and willbe in England in four months. She apologises for the writing, giving the reason. (1868) Four pages, 8vo, good condition but edge rough where extrcated from an album. She would be pleased to meet Mrs Brewster in England and gives her brother's address ("Mr Riviere". She would be happy to give her singing lessons. Two items,

Agriculturalist (1799-1855). He is pleased that his correspondent's book is making its way (which is "a work of time"). He hopes it will be as useful as his correspondent "could wish".

Musical composer (1801-1873). One page, 4to. He says simply that "it will not be in his power to attend the meeting of the Catch Club on Tuesday the 19th [?].."

2pp., 8vo, discussing work in progress and promising to get the MS to "Andre" by Christmas. He will also be "Max O'Relling" (as a participle) a MS sent to him by Mouillet.

Novelist (1860-1914). One page, 8vo. He excuses his delayed response by reference to illness and his travels "over central Europe with a knapsack". He is obviously sending a financial contribution of some sort despite not knowing where his bank account stands. In a postscript he says that he had given Norman an honourable mention in "The Bookman" earlier that year.

Novelist. Total 4pp., 8vo, in the most substantial of which he confesses to being "a most barren person . . . the very act of composition is one of exceeding pain & travail". He is considering a proposal to write something to help the Journalists Orphan Fund. One note concerns the Thackeray Charterhouse Dinner, the other conveys thanks for a fee and pleases that an Exhibition was successful. Three items,

Novelist (1867-1945). Two sides of card, 3" x 3". She says he is welcome to her autograph "for what it is worth, to add to [his] distinguished collection. She adds a postscript saying that she has enclosed her signature on a separate piece of paper in case that is what he requires. She points out that she "is not Miss Diver & never was. My husband Colonel Diver, was in the Royal Warwickshire Regt. I am a mother - & a grandmother! My new book "Ships of Youth [A study of marriage in modern India]" was published a week ago". With: separate piece of paper with her signature and a date.

Historian of music and critic (1814-1887). Three pages, 8vo. He is finding prior engagements preventing his viisiting. He then discusses his researches into the life of Incledon (vocalist) including early memories (in discussion of first names), tombstone information, and the inaccuracy of a predecessor. The letter has been annotated by a few words (perhaps Marshall), in the most significant entry, giving Grove references.

n the 4to page (12 September, Sharp's birthday) extracted from "A Birthday Book designed by her Royal Highness the Princess Beatrice" (1881). Sharp has written six Gaelic phrases with English translations E.g. "Mar a bha As it was/ Mar a tha As it is .......". . The book comprises one day to every page.The book has the bookplate of N. Hardy Wallis (see BLC).

Irish Painter, poet, dramatist and novelist (1770-1850). He gives his correspondent the address of a "Mr Herbert" who was, according to the Post Office Directory of 1846, a professor and publisher of music.

American writer, preacher and abolitionist (1832-1907). One page, 12mo. "Rev. & Dear Sir, / I thank you heartily for your letter and invitation, which have reached me here. I had already received and accepted an invitation from Mr Thos. Martineau at Maple Bank. He mentions in his note having heard from you that I intended visiting Birmingham during the meeting, & will probably inform you that I have accepted his hospitality. / With gratitude for your kind attention, I am, / Yours with cordial respect, / M. D. Conway".

Orientalist and Cambridge Professor (1783-1852). Two pages, 4to, responding to a request for advice for the son of the correspondent who is engaged in preparing a Hebrew Lexicon. Lee gives some solid advice but finally points out that he is engaged on a similar task. WITH: the manuscript text with corrections, two pages, 4to, in Lee's hand, of the examination for the Crosse scholarship (presumably a Cambridge prize) involving Greek, Arabic, Hebrew and Syriac. WITH: an 8vo print of Samuel Lee. Three items,

English actor, vocalist and composer (1781-1848). On epage, 4to, creased and chipped with loss only of part of correspondent's name (which ends "...uin"). A significant letter about the Argyll Rooms, the major musical venue of its time. Letter as follows: "If the Licence formerly held by Col. Greville can thus [?] the interest of his family be obtained for the purpose of acting French plays at the Argyle Rooms.

2pp, 8vo, remains of tape indicating from album, headed "Gambia Committee, 3 King Street, Westminster, "We beg respectfully to inform you that a Deputation to protest against the proposal to cede the River Gambia to France, will wait upon Earl Carnarvon ........" Thjey request Molineux's presence. {In fact, GB retained possession.]

Art dealer and Member of Parliament ((1825-1910). He is writing to her because hers is the first name on a list of "ladies" who have signed a petition "in favour of the extension of the suffrage to women householders". He has presented the petition with which he sympathises.

Humorous writer (1863-1943), one large 8vo page each. (1929) He is returning some "sketches", commenting on the difficulty of a beginner to get published despite merits, and the need for a little revision. (I have found nothing by Horne in the BLCat.)(1930) His handwriting is even more difficult than usual, but he is responding to a card and appears to be annoyed at a suggestion ("disgraceful"). His postscript runs "If I wrote like that I would take a few lessons".

Belgian dramatist, poet, essayist (1862-1949). "Deux Mille", blue wraps, small tear both ends of spine, hinge strain, yellowing pages but mainly g.. INSCRIBED "A Sir John Martin Harvey [English actor/manager]. L'incomparable <........................> ref. obscure to me> qui sera bientot le miraculeur [sic] St Antoine./ En toute <..?> admiration/ Maeterlinck/ 24 juin 1921" (last figure obscure). DNB says: "At the Prince of Wales's Theatre his Pelléas in Maeterlinck's Pelléas and Mélisande moved the author to declare: ‘Il a volé mon âme, ce M. Harvey.’

Popular novelist. She announces to Kathleen Shackleton that they "go on to Cairo tomorrow. ALS, 2pp., 8vo to Sladen, regretting not being able to accept an invitation but inviting the Sladens to the "Authors Dinner" where she is to be a hostess. Two items,

OUP. One page 8vo. A brief note about unpacking "Buenos Aires material" which had presumably been there for an exhibition.

Artist and Poet (1845-1915). Two Autograph Letters Signed, 2 pages and one page respectively, 4to, staining and damage especially to 1910 letter, but texts clear. (1904) Crane outlines his understanding of "the terms under which 'The Golden Primer' was produced" based on his co-author's (Meiklejohn) letters - three fifths of the proceeds. He quotes relevant detail from two letters,on of which discusses a cheap edition for schools. "I find a dummy copy of this with a cover design of mine & Blackwood's imprint". He thinks a re-issue in the "original form" a good idea.

(1859-1925). 2pp., 12mo, minimal remnants of its having been attache to album page . She and her husband cannot visit on the Friday since they are "At Home". She invites her to tea and expresses pleasure in the improvement in Mr Phillips health.

Manuscript, 34pp., folio, bound in vellum, poor condition but complete. A Book of all ye names of the Severall Inhabitants & others residing in Strand Ward in the parish of St Martin in the Fields in the County of Middx for one year free Collection from Christmas 1729 by Quarterly payments or otherwise for the gratifying and paying the Reverend Mr.

Divine (1809-1874). Total 7pp., 8vo (2) and 12mo (1). One letter (to "Foster") arranging a meeting, another (to "My dear Lady") about a meting, hoping she is recovered from illness ("We have all our ailments - some neuralgia - some palsy; - for my own part I suffer without intermission from the Revised Code". The other (to "Mrs Reeve") has a New Year's Greeting. Three items,